Ten Community Bankers Recognized As 'Best in Banking' by American Banker

Washington, D.C. (November 29, 2012)–The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) is pleased to congratulate 10 community banks named by American Banker as the “Best in Banking” for 2012. As the national trade association that exclusively represents community banks, ICBA would like to thank American Banker for recognizing these community bankers and the great work they do to better their communities and the lives of their customers.

Named among “Community Banker of the Year”

John Corbett, president and CEO, CenterState Bank of Florida in Winter Haven, Fla.

Sheila Mathews, co-founder, director, president and CEO, Four Corners Community Bank in Farmington, N.M.

Joseph DePaolo, president and CEO, Signature Bank in New York, N.Y.

George Jones Jr., president and CEO, Texas Capital Bank in Dallas, Texas

Ed Wehmer, president and CEO, Wintrust Financial in Wilmette, Ill.

“ICBA congratulates these exceptional community bankers on this honor. As relationship lenders who focus on the needs of their local customers and communities, they deserve recognition for their unwavering dedication to what it means to be a community banker,” said Jeffrey L. Gerhart, chairman of ICBA and Bank of Newman Grove, Neb. “Community banks are the backbone of cities and towns throughout the country, and through American Banker’s profiles, it’s easy to see how community banks keep Main Street moving and thriving.”

Community banks are locally-based financial institutions, with assets ranging from fewer than $10 million to $10 billion or more. Whether located in small towns, suburbia or big-city neighborhoods, community banks improve America’s communities by keeping deposits local, making local lending decisions—reinvesting in their communities each and every day. In fact, community banks under $10 billion provide nearly 60 percent of small-business loans between $100,000 and $1 million.

For more information about community banks and to find one in your area, visit www.icba.org.